MOCK TRIAL

FRANKENSTEIN

Introduction

We often learn more about a novel by taking on the roles of the characters in some type of role-playing activity. In this activity you will stage a trial to answer the question: Is Victor Frankenstein responsible for the murders his creation committed? This activity will take approximately two weeks to prepare for. You will have some class time to prepare; however, some of your preparation will be done as homework as well. By participating in this activity, you will gain a better understanding of the characters and the novel. In addition, you will use reasoning skills and ethical values to determine the issue of responsibility in this case.

Scenario

As a result of Victor Frankenstein's experiment in creating life, many people died. Should Frankenstein be held accountable for the deaths that his Creation committed? Frankenstein is being tried for the purposeful creation of a being through unnatural means. Since Frankenstein created the being without assuming the responsibility to care for it and acclimate it to the society in which it was "born", Frankenstein is being tried in court for negligence.

Participants will have to suspend their disbelief because some of the witnesses who will be testifying were actually murdered by the Creation.

Roles

1. Judge: Maintains order in the court and may be called upon to make the final decision, even over-riding the jury if he deems it necessary. Also rules on all the objections. He will also write up his view of Victor's guilt or innocence after hearing the arguments and evidence.

2. Prosecutors: Organize and prepare each of their witnesses, prepare questions for each witness and defendant, prepare and deliver opening and closing statements, take notes during the defense's direct questioning, and then cross examine the defense witnesses.

(a team of 3 attorneys)

3. Defense Attorneys: Organize and prepare each of their witnesses, prepare questions for each witness and defendant, prepare and deliver opening and closing statements, take notes during the prosecutors' direct questioning, and then cross examine the prosecutor's witnesses. (a team of 3 attorneys)

4. Witnesses: Meet with prosecutors and defense attorneys to prepare testimony, review the novel to answer questions, turn in answers to questions supported by quotes from the novel, stay in character, answer as a person in 16th century Europe would.

Victor Frankenstein (defendant)

Alphonse Frankenstein

Robert Walton

Creation

Justine Moritz

Elizabeth

Ernest Frankenstein

Henry Clerval

Frankenstein's science professors

M. Krempe (natural philosophy)

M. Waldman (another professor)

Experts (scientists, psychologists, clergy)

Court Bailiff (announces the entrance and exit of judge, swears in witnesses, must also write an essay explaining what his decision would be, based on the evidence)

5. Jury:

Head Juror (1): Leads the discussion of the jury, conducts secret ballots, and renders verdict before court, as well a the other juror duties.

Jurors (11): Take notes, discuss with fellow jurors, render a decision based on the evidence. Must write a paper explaining their own position, based on the evidence heard.

6. Court Reporters (1-2): Take notes on courtroom events, interview witnesses, interview jurors (after the trial), write the article covering the case, as a reporter in 16th Century Europe would do.

Procedure

* Select roles as specified by your teacher's directions

* If you are an attorney, prepare questions and interview your witnesses. Prepare your opening and closing statements.

* If you are a witness, meet with an attorney; prepare answers for their questions. Work on your persona as that character. (You may choose to come in costume!)

* If you are the judge, court bailiff, jury member, or court reporter, you will have little preparation for the trial, but you will write an essay after the trial, explaining your decision.

Requirements

* Each student will assume a role in the trial.

* Students who are attorneys will write questions for witnesses. The questions are designed to prove their case. They will also prepare both opening and closing statements for their side. These students will need excellent organizational and logic skills to sequence questions and to use answers to further their own case. Students who have debating experience may have an advantage.

* Students who are witnesses will submit written answers for their questions, based on information from the novel. They must stay within the realm of their character when answering the questions. They will prepare for taking the stand by talking with attorneys and going over questions prior to the trial. Also they will have the chance to write out answers for examination prior to the trial. For cross examination, they will have to "think on their feet."

* Jurors, since they will not have the prior written preparation, must take notes during the trial and write a paper explaining their own position based on the evidence heard.